What happens when your kidneys shut down?

When the kidneys cease to function, a person suffers from a condition called uremia, as stated by Temple University Hospital. If the condition cannot be reversed, it can be referred to as end-stage renal disease.

A person suffering from uremia faces the risk of having excess water in the body. The hands and feet may swell. A person can also experiences excessive weakness and tiredness, since the body lacks clean blood. If the condition is left without treatment, the individual may go in a coma, which may lead to death. A procedure called dialysis may be necessary to clean the blood. Kidney transplantation may also be required.